Brooks Goes Deeper On 2017 Bucs Playoff Call
June 5th, 2017
Legendary No. 55 is emboldened
Before the Bucs became a sexy pick this offseason to make the 2017 playoffs, Derrick Brooks moved his big stack of chips all-in on this year’s Buccaneers.
And now Brooks has a found a few more chips to splash the pot.
To refresh your memory, in mid-January brooks said the following to the dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, Steve Duemig of WDAE-AM 620:
“I don’t expect [the Bucs] to be idle this time next year, Brooks said. “I’m going on the record 364 days in advance, 365, whatever you want to call it. I expect them to be in the first round [of the playoffs]. I expect them to be in the divisional round, whether by Wild Card win or a No. 3- or 4-seed win.
“Now to say they’re going to be No. 2 with a bye, I’m not ready to stretch my arms that far out without seeing a few more moves this offseason. But based on the nucleus of what’s coming back, based on what I’ve seen thus far, and a deeper evaluation, … I’m comfortable [predicting this.]”
Last week, Brooks was back on WDAE stating his conviction for that prediction is strengthened.
“Absolutely. I feel even more confident after the transition to free agency, after the draft, heading into training camp. I honestly believe that more so,” Brooks said of the Bucs advancing to the divisional round of the playoffs this season.
“I feel very, very bold about my prediction,” Brooks added, noting how the Bucs still must learn how to finish a season and start strong.
Also, Brooks likes that the Bucs now start the 2017 process with “more experience and togetherness” and says the retention of Mike Smith was “so critical.”
This is just so much fun. Reasoned, seasoned and wise Brooks is talking about winning a playoff game, which hasn’t been done around here since the Super Bowl of 2003.
There hasn’t been this much hype for a Bucs team since Brooks’ Bucs went 9-3 to start the 2008 season.
June 5th, 2017 at 4:59 pm
“Also, Brooks likes that the Bucs now start the 2017 process with “more experience and togetherness” and says the retention of Mike Smith was “so critical.”
Yes this group is starting to look like a real team and not just a collection of athletes. Still a lot of youth to work in however. I look forward to a year similar to last season…I think we’ll be playing a lot better in the 2nd half of the season than the first. This team is going to get better and better and will be scary good by the playoffs. Nobody will want to face us.
June 5th, 2017 at 6:43 pm
I don’t remember having this much hype even in 2008.
It’s been more like 2003 leading up to that fateful MNF Colts debacle that our team was taken seriously by the national sports media.
June 5th, 2017 at 6:43 pm
Brooks is speaking the same expectations that many fans, like myself, have. Why shouldn’t we expect playoffs? 3rd year talented QB and 3rd year O-Line…. Weapons on offense. 2nd year in Mike Smiths defense, which improved over the course of last season.
We went 9-7 last year and are young. The only next step is playoffs!!!
These are the 2 things that hold us back IMO.
1) Dirk Koetter has not figured out 3rd and 1 in 2 full seasons now. It has been pathetic. It needs to get figured out, no excuses.
2)Defense needs more game changers. When we were at our best we had more then just Kwon making impactful plays. Tandy owning Rivers and Hargreaves swatting a few balls with his forearms comes to mind………but them guys didn’t bring it all year. We need more!!!!!! I don’t care if its a big hit over the middle, a QB getting pancaked, or prying a fumble……..we need more thump!!!
June 5th, 2017 at 6:47 pm
Oh we need to make FGs too(I just dry heaved). Also, our punter is the absolute best I have ever seen, that dude is a savage. Never in my life would I have thought a kicker could jack me up but that Anger dude does. Be a cool Jersey too if you are a collector. Hashtag HOF punter.
June 5th, 2017 at 6:51 pm
Its still all hype. I’m not to worried about the offense. But I gotta see what kind of pass rush we have. Its a huge key for this team. Like I’ve said in the past..What good is scoring 35 points when the opposition scores 36?
June 5th, 2017 at 7:20 pm
It all starts up front. If Oline and Dline are playing well all season then we could be a serious SB contender this year. If either line is not playing so well – then we will likely struggle to make the playoffs.
June 5th, 2017 at 8:41 pm
Hmmmmm, if he believes so strongly then I’d suggest Mr. Brooks take some of his substantial money and simply bet the over in Vegas. If he believes that strongly, will be the easiest million he ever made and didn’t have to make one tackle!
June 5th, 2017 at 9:06 pm
Getting some respect in Walterfootball2019 mock draft. They have us slotted picking 32nd as the Super Bowl champs taking a rb out of Ohio st. Nice Go Bucs!!
June 5th, 2017 at 10:47 pm
Not only the players we got through FA and draft are causing concerns to our divisional teams but I expect lots of new wrinkles on both the offense and defense.
You add Folk as our kicker and Anger as our punter you have to expect a difference from last year and that would be in a positive way.
No more old Bucs!!!
The beginning of a new kind of Buccaneer football is coming.
We will own the NFC South!!!!!!